Why do Australian shepherds get their tails docked? Well they actually do it for numerous different reason, some of them are tradition, identification, cosmetic, and function. But the three main reasons are to avoid damage to their tail, to maintain the breed standard and for reasons of hygiene.
 
To avoid damage to the tail is the most important reason for docking a tail. Australian Shepherds were raised in the Western areas of the United States, assisting man in the field, herding or hunting. The West has many touch weeds, tall grass, and tons of other hazards, the Aussie's fox-like tail is a perfect host for burrs, stickers and other things, which could cause trauma to the tail, and can be painful / hard to treat. If the tail is docked, it eliminates the risk of injury. This is one of the reasons natural bobtails were valued and bred for.
 
To maintain the breed standard the American Kennel Club and the Australian Shepherd Club of America state that the Aussie should have a natural bobtail or a docked tail, the tail should not exceed four inches in length, tails that are longer are to be docked. As dog shows became fashionable in the mid 1800’s with the establishment of the Kennel Club, tails of some breeds were docked as an identifying characteristic. Even today, in breeds with congenital bobtails, the tail is sometimes shortened to enhance a more symmetrical appearance, creating a classic silhouette for the show ring.
 
Dogs with thick hair have a good chance of getting feces on themselves and caught in the tail. Docking can greatly reduce the hygiene problems and it also lessens chances of matting.
 
There are two methods of docking. The majority of breeders used the technique known as "banding", in which a ligature, normally an orthodontic band, is placed over the end of the puppies tail within 3 days of birth. This effectively cuts off the blood supply to the end of the tail, which comes away within 3 days. Most vets cut the tail with surgical scissors, known as hemostats. There is generally no need for stitches, but on occasions these can be used, especially with the larger breeds. Docking of the tails takes place when the puppies are still very tiny, this process causes little or no pain or discomfort.
 
However you can find Aussies with full length tails in other countries or even sometimes from rescue groups.